"Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s story reminds us how much hard work it takes to move a country forward," said the First Lady. "It reminds us how much struggle is required to make real progress and change."

Through investments in research and development like the BRAIN initiative, we can lay a national foundation to spur innovation, job creation, and economic growth. The project is one of the Administration’s "grand challenges" in science and technology, which will call upon companies, research universities, foundations, and philanthropists to ensure America continues "to lead the world in the next frontiers of human understanding." The President is very excited about the project and is confident America will lead the way in innovation:

Ideas are what power our economy. It’s what sets us apart… When we invest in the best ideas before anybody else does, our businesses and our workers can make the best products and deliver the best services before anybody else.